“The man I met was funny and carefree.” He smiles down at me as he brushes the hair back from my forehead. “Our meeting was a luxury that I’ve never been afforded.” “How so?” “I had the gift of anonymity.” Our lips touch, and I rub my fingers through his stubble. “Why are you so different here?” I whisper. He pulls out of my grip and walks over to his desk. “I am who I have to be, Emily. Funny and carefree can’t successfully run an empire.”
